WEEK 6: Tutorial

Dear Maria, Sarah, Vicci, Lucia, Gaff & Michael,

Thanks to everyone for an interesting range of posts. The nature & content of the websites themselves confirm some of the issues that face all tribal groups; there is a simple belief that they can preserve and mantain an Indian identity and that their values about "mother earth" and heritage etc. will ensure their survival as separate "nations". But is it feasible? If their language dies - and thus their oral history - can they have a future? Can tribal membership be "proved" and thus sustained? Are casinos really a secure source of tribal identity?
Many questions and, perhaps, only one negavite answer for all. It is hard to predict what the future holds for this small (c.1%) but important minority. That's why characters such as Sherman Alexie, Ward Churchill, Winona Laduke amd Russell Means are significant voices. So, is it acculturation or assimilation as a future?
Here is the website we saw briefly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfsNM1igcYk&feature=related

Have a good week.
Good wishes,
John